Major Improvements on Highway 15 Near Kenaston Underway article
by SHCA SHCA

Major Improvements on Highway 15 Near Kenaston Underway

A $22.7 million highway construction project is underway near Kenaston. The two-year major highway improvement project will include construction of a subgrade, widening and resurfacing on Highway 15.

“The Ministry of Highways is dedicated to enhancing safety and improving key transportation corridors through continued investments,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Highway 15, a high clearance corridor, offers shippers and commercial carriers an ideal opportunity to transport over-dimension loads.”

The Highway 15 corridor allows goods to be trucked without the need to raise or temporarily cut utility lines and other structures.

The Highway 15 construction project is 22 kilometres, which runs from 15 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 11 to about 20 kilometres west of the junction with Highway 2. The project will include culvert replacements and road widening work this year, which is expected to be complete this fall. Paving work will begin during the 2024 construction season. 

“This is a major project that will take time to complete,” Cockrill said. “We appreciate the patience of drivers who slow down for safety as we work to enhance our transportation system.”

Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina is the general contractor.

A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel. If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline, which provides up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities. Information is also available by calling 511.

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways this year. This keeps the province on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

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Pavement Sealing is ins Full Swing Across Saskatchewan Highways
by SHCA SHCA

Pavement Sealing is in Full Swing Across Saskatchewan Highways

The Ministry of Highways announced that pavement sealing work is underway for the 2023 construction season.

“Approximately $776 million is being invested this year into Saskatchewan highways to improve safety, enhance key transportation corridors and support the various industries,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We are dedicating a significant investment of $25 million toward seal coating to strengthen and enhance the resilience of our transportation network.”

In addition, the ministry’s operations and maintenance division plans to complete about $17 million of spot, partial and full seal work this year.

One of the most effective ways to extend the life of Saskatchewan’s provincial highways is to apply a seal coat. Hot liquid asphalt is poured onto the surface before crushed gravel is spread over the asphalt and packed down. It creates a waterproof layer that seals cracks and protects the surface. 

Seal coating provides a waterproof, non-skid surface, reduces deterioration and cracking and prolongs pavement life. It is a cost-effective treatment that can extend the life of a highway by up to 10 years.

Seal coats require approximately 24 hours to fully cure, which is why speeds are reduced. The speed reductions help the seal coat cure effectively and saves windshields from damage. There are several reasons work zones require temporary speed reductions when workers are not present. This includes loose gravel, a sharp pavement drop-off or lane closure. 

Drivers are reminded to obey all road signs and slow down to avoid the risk of damage to their vehicles. Plan ahead by checking the Highway Hotline for construction zones. So, you can get to what you love. 

The ministry will improve more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways, putting us on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways since 2008, improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

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Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Construction Zones Bolster Province’s Economy

Shantel Lipp

This is the time of year when the public sees our members’ commitment to working with the government in action. 

There are construction zones across the province right now in support of the Saskatchewan government’s goal of building and upgrading 10,000 kilometres of highways in the province by 2030. More than 300 kilometres of highway are being seal coated to extend their life, including Highway 1 east of Moose Jaw. Other highways are being resurfaced and repaved, including Highway 55 east of Prince Albert.

Passing lanes are being completed, such as those on Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2. Bridges are being repaired or rebuilt, including the Highway 6 bridge over Regina’s Ring Road for traffic heading into southern Regina. Airports are seeing improvements, such as the runway being extended at Sandy Bay. More than 100 culverts are being replaced. 

You are hard at work during these summer months to complete projects that make it possible for families to get from home to work and school. Farmers can move their machinery to get to fields so they can later move their crops to terminals. Businesses can move their products to buyers and receive supplies to manufacture more products. Industries are growing because of this ability to move around the province and beyond it, connecting Saskatchewan and all it has to offer to the world. Traffic can flow – safely and more efficiently – because of your work. 

We want to see a more consistent flow of investment from our provincial government. As you know, I have been working with the government, so its representatives understand the needs of our industry. But my work with the government goes further than that. Our province needs the government to recognize the value of consistent investment that reflects a long-term view of the infrastructure needed by industries in this province to keep our economy strong. 

Consistent investment in Saskatchewan’s trade infrastructure is a message to the world. It says that this province is prepared to continue being a strong exporter of the goods and resources that countries around the world require. It tells people interested in living and working in this province that the government is dedicated to ensuring opportunities continue here so making the move is in their best interest, now and into the future. It says to voters that this government invests purposefully and strategically so that investment delivers a return.

Adopting longer-term investment commitments to grow the economy is about more than having a goal for how many kilometres of highway the province will address. The Ministry of Highways needs to start with looking at how it tenders projects, such as those our members are working on right now in the province. 

Consistent investment is also about looking to the east and west of our province at what those governments are doing. It means allowing for carryovers, which is something the Manitoba government does. Allowing contractors to carry over a portion of the Ministry of Highway’s budget would mean some certainty of work in the next construction season. 

Even better than that are the investment commitments of five years. That is what will allow our industry to become even more efficient and productive because our members will be able to see what opportunities are available, and the level of investment being projected so decisions can be made about priorities and plans. Businesses in our industry can decide on their own investments in equipment and labour. 

Our members contribute to this province by being able to support goals set out in a memorandum of understanding Saskatchewan signed with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces.

This MOU focuses on four areas of cooperation:

  • Improving efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks
  • Encouraging the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions
  • Keeping their economies competitive and growing capital investment
  • Harmonizing regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers

So, while the public sees work zones busy with the activity of employees and equipment, we want those drivers and passengers to also recognize what projects – undertaken by our members – mean for the future prosperity of our province. It is in their interest that this work is done. We want them to identify the role of government in those projects – as the primary customer of our industry – and hold those politicians accountable for wisely investing tax dollars in trade infrastructure.

by SHCA SHCA

The First Annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic

To celebrate 75 years in business, Redhead Equipment raised more than $166,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan

By Craig Slobodian, Redhead Equipment

In conjunction with Redhead Equipment’s 75th business anniversary, the company held its first annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic on Monday, June 12, at Wascana Country Club.

Through our 11 locations, we do business in every community in the province and beyond. When choosing a charity to partner with, we look to find one that can benefit every one of those same communities.

This year, we chose to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan; their CEO, Tammy Forrester, shared plans to build new houses in Regina and Prince Albert.  

The golf tournament brought together individuals and organizations from all walks of life, united in our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Our marketing department put together a first-class experience for the 136 golfers who attended. Our staff and volunteers also did a great job, making everyone feel welcome and kept everything running smoothly.

Our suppliers stepped up and supported the tournament with both donations and attendance. Many customers also attended the tournament. The support from suppliers and customers was incredible and we thank them for their support.

Wascana Country Club made the event special with great service, great food and a meticulously maintained course. This provided a remarkable experience that will be treasure by all who participated.

Through the day, we were able to raise $78,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Through the generosity of the Redhead and Wallace families, Redhead Equipment matched those funds for a total donation of $156,000!

One of our customers was inspired by the day’s events and donated $5,000 the following day. Redhead Equipment matched this donation as well, so the new total is $166,000!   

It was a great way to celebrate 75 years in business and we are grateful to everyone involved. We are very proud of 75 years in business.

Thank you to our customers, suppliers and staff for 75 years in business! Our success depends on you and because of you, Redhead Equipment is able to give back to the communities that support us.

WCB Logo
by SHCA SHCA

WCB Shares 2022 Results in Annual General Meeting

At the end of May, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) shared its 2022 results at its annual general meeting (AGM), held in Saskatoon. The WCB’s CEO, Phillip Germain, and members of the WCB’s executive team also provided attendees with an overview of the WCB’s financial, strategic and operating highlights, including 2022 workplace injuries and fatalities statistics.

The WCB has remained in a fully funded position at 114.8 per cent in 2022, an increase from 107.6 per cent in 2021. The improvement in the funded position is primarily related to the reduction in the benefits liability, based on changing claim cost experience compared to expectations, and changes in actuarial methods and assumptions. This position ensures that the organization has the capacity to cover the future costs of all claims in the system.

“Maintaining a strong funding position is vital to support injured workers in our province through benefits and programs to help restore their abilities,” said Germain. “A solid funding position also provides employers with the confidence that their needs will be met, as we strive toward enhancing our efficiencies and customer experience.”

In March 2023, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, launched a new strategy that focuses on two key streams of work that will be undertaken to reduce injuries and fatalities – a regulatory and enforcement stream, and a prevention and learning stream. Building on the success of the initial strategy launched in 2019, the new strategy lays out a direction for working together with stakeholders to address high-risk industries and occupations that are resulting in workplace fatalities and injuries.

“Without question, we must continue to work together to make all workplaces in Saskatchewan safe,” said Germain. “Working with our stakeholders – including employers, unions, researchers and associations – the updated Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy will guide us in our efforts to bring injury rates down. We will continue to work with our partners to enhance our workers’ compensation system and to ensure that every Saskatchewan worker returns home safely at the end of each workday.”

For more information on these results, the WCB’s 2022 annual report is available online at wcbsask.com.

Highway Construction in Full Swing
by SHCA SHCA

Highway Construction Season in Full Swing

When the daylight hours become longer and warmer weather rolls in, construction equipment rolls out onto Saskatchewan highways. The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding travellers to keep an eye out for highway construction zones across the province. 

“The Ministry of Highways has crews working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network,” said Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “Let’s keep them safe, so everyone gets home safe at night. We have lots of work going on and these slowdowns are only temporary.”

Some major construction projects will continue or be completed to improve safety and traffic flow, including:

  • Continuing passing lanes and widening on Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2; 
  • Beginning construction of twinning projects near Rowatt and Corinne on Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and Weyburn; and
  • Beginning upgrades on Highway 15 east of Kenaston between Highways 11 and 2

“Provincial road builders employ close to 30,000 workers, making our industry one of the largest employers in the province, and they are working to build Saskatchewan,” said Shantel Lipp, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association president. “We want to remind drivers to be patient and drive with caution while our builders go to work on the roads this season. This will help ensure their safety as well as yours.”

“Our members are pleased to work with our partners at the Ministry of Highways to make strategic improvements to the transportation network,” said Bev MacLeod, executive director of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan. “These improvements will make the highway system better and safer for all the people of Saskatchewan.”

There are plans to improve another 1,000 km of highways, for a total of more than 4,600 km of highways improved over the last four years. Improvements this year include:

  • 230 km of repaving;
  • 300 km of medium treatments, like micro surfacing;
  • 340 km of pavement sealing;
  • 115 km of thin membrane surface (TMS) and rural highway upgrades; and
  • 35 km of gravel rehabilitation.

Highways will also invest $62.8 million to repair or rebuild 14 bridges and replace more than 100 culverts across the province. Significant bridge projects include

replacing the Montreal River Bridge on Highway 2 near Weyakwin and

rehabilitating the Highway 6 bridge over Regina’s Ring Road for traffic heading north into the city.

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SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

How Purposeful Infrastructure Grows Our Economy

Shantel Lipp

Summer is here and construction is underway with crews working across the province on projects that are making transportation in this province better. 

Many Saskatchewan drivers travelling this summer are going to encounter you on the job. While we want them to think about your safety and drive responsibly through your work zones, we also want them to consider what projects governments choose to invest in and what those projects mean to our province’s economy and our quality of life.  

Across Western Canada, heavy construction associations continue to encourage governments to recognize the value of investing in trade infrastructure. We know it is not just our industry that values infrastructure and the role it plays in our economy.

Those buying Saskatchewan commodities want to know that this province has the infrastructure to move what they are purchasing. Those who produce and move those commodities see how having quality, purposeful infrastructure that supports trade helps grow our economy, which generates revenues that support health care, education and social programming. That all contributes to the quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan and Canada.

To bring wider awareness to the importance of building and maintaining good infrastructure, which is key to our trade corridors, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is running a campaign.

The voices of several industry and community leaders can be heard discussing the importance of investing in infrastructure as part of this campaign. You may have heard them during ads that ran on Rawlco Radio’s Newstalk radio stations.

We will also bring attention to their perspectives online, starting with this message, but in the weeks to come, you will find them on our website and social media platforms. I encourage you to share these social media posts with your network online to spread their words even further. The more people who see these posts, the more influence they develop, making this message about the value of investing in trade infrastructure part of important public conversations.

We have Susan Ewart, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, who said, “Our province has a lot of what the world wants. Global demand for made-in-Saskatchewan products continues to grow every year. The trucking industry is responsible for delivering those products to the world and good roads make that happen. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the growth going.” 

She is joined by Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, who said, “Regina drivers may be a little frustrated now that road construction season is upon us. But having good infrastructure helps our business community operate, prosper and grow. 

“By supporting local road builders to build and repair Regina roads, we keep those dollars in our community where everyone benefits. When our local businesses prosper, we all prosper.” 

Also from Regina is James Bogusz, the president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, who stated, “Demand for air travel is growing on a daily basis and Regina is no exception. Our airport is meeting the demand by investing in our infrastructure. This year, we are improving the major runway at Regina Airport that will allow us to grow and continue to connect to the world. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the growth going in our city and our province.” 

Adding his perspective is Warren Steinley, Member of Parliament for Regina Lewvan, who explained, “In Saskatchewan, we manufacture and produce what the world needs. Last year, Saskatchewan agriculture exports were the largest on record with total international sales of $18.4 billion. What we produce here has to get to market.” 

To meet this goal, it is vital to maintain and grow our infrastructure needs. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the province growing.

If you have leaders in your region of the province who would like to contribute to this campaign, I would love to have a conversation with them about adding their voice. Please pass along their name and contact information and I will reach out to them about our efforts.